Saturday 23 August 2008 19.01 EDT
First published on Saturday 23 August 2008 19.01 EDT

White Horse, Parsons Green, London

The White Horse is my idea of beer nirvana; with its historic roots as a coaching inn and gin palace, it has a grandeur that many pubs have sacrificed for blandness. It also has a bar full of handpumps that will set any beer fan's heart racing. The beer garden may be more patio than lawn and flowerbeds, but it always has a buzz about it and the barbecue is legendary (020 7736 2115; whitehorsesw6.com).

That Sinclair's still exists is a triumph. It has survived being lifted 5m in the air to make way for the original Arndale Centre and then, after the IRA bomb devastated the centre, it was moved brick by brick 300m away to allow for the new development. History aside, I love the way sitting in the square outside, enjoying great beer and succulent oysters gives you a distinct feeling of continental chic (0161 834 0430).

Don't miss: Sam Smith's Pure Brewed Lager. I don't always believe stout is the oyster's best friend, and this lager is crisp and refreshing, with citrus-honey overtones to make your shellfish slip down lightly.

Raven, Liverpool

The words Irish American Grill & Beer Hall should strike fear into my heart but, as usual, Liverpool bar impresario Rob Gutman gets it right. Based in the Albert Docks, where you are spoilt for choice, Raven is definitely my drinking hole of preference and sitting outside at tables that overlook the water is the perfect way to pass a bank holiday afternoon (0151 709 7097; ravenliverpool.com).

Don't miss: Another American classic: Flying Dog's Doggy Style pale ale - crisp and abounding with citrus and pine scents, which come from what the brewery calls 'shitloads of Cascade hops'.

The Waggon & Horses, York

This is a proper northern pub, with four distinct areas to the bar and a warm welcome from locals and staff. The pretty garden at the back is ideal for relaxing after a hard day's sightseeing or even for spending your winnings from the races (01904 637478; waggonandhorses york.co.uk).

Don't miss: Batemans XXXB. It's a strong bitter, but still only 4.8 per cent ABV, with warm toast and orange flavours that culminate in a balanced bitter finish.

Goffs Manor, Crawley

It's years since I worked in Crawley, and they opened this pub after I left, which I'm sad about, because it's an oasis of quaint British charm. Formerly the home of actor Peter Vaughan (Grouty in Porridge), this half-timbered building has a huge beer garden leading down to a stream, so you are almost guaranteed a seat and could be visited by ducks and moorhens while you're supping your pint (01293 540982).

Don't miss: Tanglefoot, a proper British beer with dried fruit and biscuity flavours, leading to a good dry finish.